Thursday, August 10 , 2006
Local Entertainers, Politicians Welcome Youth Athletes
by Bobby Kelly, Student Reporter

A Wave to the Crowd	Lacrosse Players Rock to Massari

The 19th Ontario Summer Games kicked off last night at Lynx Stadium with thousands of youth athletes taking part in sports such as baseball, basketball, lacrosse, rugby, soccer and softball.  It was not surprising when the 3500 coaches, athletes and officials paraded into the ballpark, they filled the infield with a burst of excitement and energy.

Greeted by the banging of ‘thundersticks’ and the cheers of supporters and over eight-hundred volunteers, the athletes made their way into the park grouped according to their sport.  Thousands of friends, family and avid fans cheered on the young athletes as they marched in and settled down in the infield.

The evening was kicked off by speeches by Premier Dalton McGuinty, Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson, Mayor Bob Chiarelli, Sport Alliance of Ontario representative Doug Rosser, Debra Armstrong from MBNA Canada along with a message from the event’s Co-Chairs, Pat Reid and Lorraine Lafrenière.  The Mayor told the athletes and fans that these Ontario Summer Games have more participants than the Winter Olympic Games had in Torino.  Minister Watson reminded all of us of the loss of Tim DeSilva, who should never be forgotten.  A young BMX star, DeSilva recently passed away unexpectedly while grooming the track.  Premier McGuinty ended the official portion of the evening by officially declaring the Games open.

Massari Performs

Everybody’s attention was then turned to two parachutists as they made their way down to the ballpark amid cheers and applause.  The stadium was rocked by three local artists including Massari, an Ottawa-based R & B singer.  The evening ended at around 10 p.m., when eager and excited participants finally made their way back to the Athletes’ Villages located at Carleton University and Algonquin College.